There are fears Jamaican crime gangs are moving into the drug market on Teesside.

Cleveland's chief constable has voiced concerns that Yardie gangs are trying to deal in crack cocaine in the area.

Barry Shaw said their presence could also bring more gun crime to the area.

There has been an increase in the number of Jamaican nationals being arrested in the Middlesbrough district for the suspected supply of Class A drugs.

'Alarm bells'

In 2001, only one Jamaican was arrested, but last year that figure rose to 32.

Ken Walker, the chairman of Cleveland Police Authority said a possible influx of Yardie gangs "must set alarm bells ringing."

And he said: ""We will do everything to ensure that this kind of infiltration does not happen in Teesside.

"We are not going to have any turf wars in this area."

Chief Constable Barry Shaw will tell the police authority their presence could have an impact on the amount of illegal guns on the streets.

'Resolute efforts'

Mr Shaw said: "This is a threat the force is taking very seriously.

"We will continue to be both alert to the threat and resolute in our efforts to remove illegal guns from circulation and prevent the growth of crack cocaine markets in the area.

"We will arrest those prepared to resort to the use of firearms in criminal acts."